FIM Mini Cup USA Announces Team U.S.A. for FIM MiniGP World Final in Valencia
November 10, 2025 – FIM Mini Cup USA is immensely proud to announce the talented riders who will represent the United States at the prestigious FIM MiniGP World Final. The event, which brings together the world’s top young road racers, is taking place November 10th – 13th, in Valencia, Spain.
🇺🇸 Meet Team U.S.A. 🇺🇸
These five riders have earned their spots through their exceptional performance in the FIM Mini Cup USA series and will compete against international finalists from across the globe:
160cc Class Finalists:
Jase Dill
Zaal Farhand
Lambert Su
190cc Class Finalists:
Kensei Matsudaira
Ulysses Weyrauch
🌟 A Global Stage for Future Stars 🌟
The FIM MiniGP World Series is a critical step on the Road to MotoGP, providing a standardized, international platform for identifying and developing the next generation of motorcycle racing talent. The World Final offers these young American athletes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on a global stage, gain invaluable experience, and showcase their skills to teams and sponsors from the highest levels of the sport.
“We are incredibly excited to send this group of determined and fast young riders to Valencia,” said John Hopkins for FIM Mini Cup USA. “Each of these riders has worked tirelessly throughout the season, and their selection for the World Final is a testament to their dedication. We wish them the best of luck as they represent the U.S. against the best MiniGP riders in the world.”
The entire FIM Mini Cup USA community will be watching and cheering for Team U.S.A. as they compete for the World Final titles.
Federico Caricasulo and Valentin Debise will represent the famous Evan Bros Racing and will ride with all-new Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO.
After eight seasons of fruitful collaboration, Evan Bros Racing will turn the page on their chapter, utilising Yamaha machinery, and in 2026 will compete atop Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO in what will be the Chinese brand’s debut FIM Supersport World Championship season. With a new bike coming in, the team have also opted for an all-new line-up with familiar faces, with both Federico Caricasulo and Valentin Debise re-joining the team.
ONCU RIDES ON: The Turkish rider makes a move to Ten Kate
Can Oncu’s sole 2025 campaign with the team was the strongest of his six-year WorldSSP career so far. While it was only his first year in Yamaha blue, the Turkish rider finished in second place, earning six wins, 16 podiums, six fastest laps and four poles. With his title rival and eventual Champion Stefano Manzi now making the jump to WorldSBK to race with GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, the Italian has left an open seat behind with the team that Oncu’s mentor, Kenan Sofouglu, rode with for five seasons and won a pair of Championships with the Dutch team.
Federico Caricasulo and Valentin Debise with the new ZXMOTO 820RR-RS at EICMA. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
CARICA AND DEBISE RETURN: Evan Bros chooses riders familiar with the team
With the split from Yamaha announced, Evan Bros had a pair of seats atop their bikes to fill, so they went with riders who are familiar with the team. Italian rider Caricasulo is set to join the team for 2026, a move that offers plenty of continuity, as the #64 rode with the team from 2014-2016 and in 2019. His final season with the team even included a runner-up finish in the Riders’ Championship for the Italian, outpaced only by his teammate Randy Krummenacher on their way to claiming the Teams’ Championship for Evan Bros. Debise’s stint with the Evan Bros outfit came even more recently, in 2024, where the veteran rider enjoyed a strong campaign as the team’s sole rider. He went on to finish in fourth place on the back of his seven podiums, the most he has had in a single season to date. In 2025, Debise rode with Renzi Corse and landed his first two wins of his WorldSSP career.
ZXMOTO 820RR-RS. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
YAMAHA AND EVAN BROS FRUITFUL COLLABORATION: Five titles in total across their time together
It isn’t just rider market changes for the Ravenna-based team, however. The Evan Bros. outfit announced it would be ending its eight-year collaboration with Yamaha. The team first started riding with Yamaha and their contemporary R6 platform back in 2016. By 2019, they won their first titles together as Krummenacher and Caricasulo dominated the season to hoist both the Team’s Championship and the Riders’ Championship. The success from there only continued to flow, as they again won a Riders’ title with Andrea Locatelli in 2020. 2021 and 2022 brought back-to-back runner-up finishes with the skilful riding of Lorenzo Baldassari and Steven Odendaal. In the hands of Oncu, joined late in the season by Alberto Surra, the pair were fast enough to win another Teams’ Championship as well as Oncu’s Riders’ Championship P2. All in all, together with Yamaha machinery, Evan Bros. enjoyed a fruitful run, tallying 41 wins, 104 podiums, 24 poles, three Riders’ Championships and a pair of Team’s Championships.
ZXMOTO 820RR-RS. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
ALL-NEW MACHINERY: ZXMOTO looks to make a splash in 2026
Going forward with their pair of new riders, Evan Bros will take on a new challenge, riding atop the new manufacturer ZXMOTO as they take on WorldSSP in their first season in the competition in 2026. The Chinese manufacturer’s all-new 820RR-R is a three-cylinder, 819cc bike designed for success on track; as well as their new rider pair, the new bike will make Evan Bros Racing a team to watch in 2026.
On the team’s new chapter, Team Principal Fabio Evangelista said: “I am very happy about this new adventure. We have taken on the challenge of collaborating with ZXMOTO to develop a new bike, which undoubtedly has potential. As for Caricasulo and Debise, I can only say welcome back: we believe in the speed and development capabilities of both of them.”
Look back through Oncu, Debise and Caricasulo’s best moments with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Want to see a magic trick? Then just keep watching Marco Bezzechi as he disappears right in front of Álex Márquez and Pedro Acosta’s eyes, only to magically reappear right next to them on the victory podium!
Yes, today was the day that Bezzechi showed us all what he’s capable of. Even Peter didn’t see it coming! And ‘the Bez’ was far from the only one serving us spectacular scenes of racing delight, as we had some rough play and knife fighting going on. Did some of it include our favourite maniac Franco Morbidelli? It very well might! All I can tell you is that Mat and Peter can’t seem to agree on this one, and that it involves the exact difference between a bump and a ram…
Enjoy!
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
The programme – unique in sport – debuts a new look and structure that clearly defines the path to the top for the next generation.
The Road to MotoGP is evolving. The programme, which searches out and opens the doors to new talent from around the world, is unique in sport – providing a comprehensive ladder of opportunity for all, wherever they’re from and whatever their background.
Now, these paths have a new, unified, identity. From MotoMini to Moto4 to MotoJunior, each step works as part of a whole – creating a clear framework for riders and providing scope for the programme to further expand around the world.
Riders start the Road to MotoGP™ in the FIM MotoMini World Series, the first initiative in global motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality. Its 160cc Series, for riders from 10 to 14 years old, and 190cc Series, for riders from 12 years old, provide two steps of competition racing on kart tracks around the world. The top riders in each national Series are then invited to take part in the World Final in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP season finale, where more opportunities on the Road to MotoGP are also up for grabs.
From there, the Moto4 tier beckons, for riders aged 14 and above, giving them experience on bigger venues and equal machinery – the Honda NSF250R. The Moto4 tier currently comprises the Momoven Moto4 European Cup, Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, Moto4 Northern Cup, R&G Moto4 British Cup and Moto4 Latin Cup, each provides its own pathway to the next tier. Each serves a different area to provide a diverse and ever-growing number of opportunities across the world.
The final steps on the Road to MotoGP are the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship. The Rookies, starting at 15 years of age, retains its name and continues racing in the MotoGP paddock throughout some of the biggest venues in Europe. The FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, for riders from 16 years old, headlines the new-look MotoJunior World Championship, which also comprises the Moto2 European Championship, itself also a pathway into the Moto2 World Championship, and the Moto4 European Cup, the entry level competition in MotoJunior.
Here is the full pyramid of the new identities within the core Road to MotoGP competitions:
This new era begins now for the FIM MotoMini World Series as the 2025 World Final rolls out its new identity ahead of the Valencia GP.
From 2026, the entire Road to MotoGP™ will then transform into this new structure – including some new incentives for teams to support MotoJunior riders from key countries. The full announcement will be revealed shortly, with teams set to receive extra support for fielding and succeeding with riders from countries outside the sport’s biggest current catchment areas.
Jorge Viegas, FIM President on the left and Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP (on the right). Photo courtesy Dorna
Jorge Viegas, FIM President:“The FIM remains committed to identifying, supporting and providing clear and defined opportunities for emerging and talented riders from all corners of the world. The new Road to MotoGP structure is the latest initiative in this pursuit and represents a hugely important step as we look to provide equal opportunities for all young riders irrespective of where they are racing in the world. MotoGP has a truly global fan base and following, so it is vital that this is also reflected out on track too. As a result of this programme, we are confident that we will see new champions from new countries make their mark at the highest level in the future.”
Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP: “We’re very proud of the Road to MotoGP. We continue to be committed to growing our sport, from the grassroots and making sure we’re widening the base of the pyramid globally. This new structure, and its new identities, are an important evolution. In the here and now it creates a clear pathway, for riders, their parents and fans around the world and one that fits perfectly with the future of the Grand Prix classes. It also creates a fantastic foundation for the continued expansion of the programme. Creating global opportunity is important for the young riders it supports, important for MotoGP, and important for our global fanbase.”
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC has introduced the Fast Friends Rewards Program, a new initiative created to thank existing Suzuki owners and welcome new riders into the Suzuki family through an innovative referral program.
Fast Friends Rewards makes it easy and rewarding for Suzuki owners to share their passion for performance, adventure, and reliability. Existing Suzuki owners can earn a $100 Suzuki Bucks Rewards Voucher for referring a friend who purchases a qualifying new Suzuki vehicle, with that person receiving a $200 Suzuki Bucks Rewards Voucher after purchase.
The pilot program applies to a significant range of new Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs including the following models:
– GSX-8R, GSX-8S, GSX-8T, GSX-8TT, and all V-STROM 800 models – KingQuad 400, KingQuad 500, and KingQuad 750 ATVs
Suzuki Bucks are redeemable vouchers that can be used toward the purchase of Genuine Suzuki parts, accessories, or service at authorized Suzuki dealerships.
“It is our belief that Suzuki customers are among the most engaged and loyal motorcycle and ATV riders in the category and want to share their passion with fellow enthusiasts,” said Kerry Graeber Suzuki Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “The Fast Friends program actually rewards them for what they tend to do on their own which is to introduce the Suzuki experience to their friends.”
The Fast Friends Rewards Program is live now for a limited time at participating dealers. Whether sharing their love of adventure on a Suzuki motorcycle or tackling tough terrain on a KingQuad ATV, Suzuki is making it easier than ever for Suzuki enthusiasts to ride together and be rewarded for it.
To learn more about the Fast Friends Rewards Program visit Suzukicycles.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI:
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor CorporaDon (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relaDons with 201 countries/regions. For more informaDon, visit www.suzuki.com.
Superstars Josh Waters and Mike Jones have again risen to the occasion as the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) concluded at The Bend (SA) on Sunday, November 9.
After absorbing intense pressure from rookie revelation Jonathan Nahlous, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters was victorious in race one on his McMartin Racing Ducati before Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) won the turf war in the season-ending battle.
The pair finished the day equal on points, but Jones was awarded the overall after his higher placing in race two. Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda) was third overall after his 2-2 scorecard.
“The race two victory definitely put a smile on my face,” said Jones.
“It’s been a tough weekend, but a special thanks to the Yamaha Racing Team for all its efforts not only at The Bend but all year long.
“I’m excited to be back with Yamaha in 2026 as we chase another ASBK championship.”
Between them, Waters and Jones won 15 of the 17 Superbike races in 2025, with Waters finishing the Superbike title on 381pts ahead of Jones on 331pts.
Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) was third in the championship on 303pts, which included the veteran’s first Superbike race win at Phillip Island.
SW-Motech Superbike race one
Josh Waters (1) and new lap record holder Cru Halliday (65) in race one. Photo by RbMotoLens
With the pressure meter dialled down and the passion meter dialled up, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters powered to a start-to-finish victory. It was Waters’ 10th win of the season and his 43rd in Superbike.
Waters’ only hiccup was a slight mistake on lap six which allowed Nahlous and Jones to close back up on him, but the veteran was soon back into a steely rhythm to win by nearly half a second.
Nahlous was a brilliant second – his best rookie result – ahead of Jones, who ran wide at turn one on the last lap which scuppered his chances of putting extra pressure on his rival.
West was fourth from Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Ducati), Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha).
Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) both went down, the latter shortly after setting a new lap record of 1:50.035.
The Bend top three: (L to R) Waters, Jones and Nahlous. Photo by RbMotoLens
It was Jones at his metronomic best, moving into the lead on lap three and then controlling proceedings from the front to win his fifth race of the season. Including his two podiums today, Jones now has eight top three finishes in the last 12 Superbike races at The Bend.
The race was held over a shortened nine laps after the first attempt was red-flagged due to an oil spill at turn 17, and in the restart Nahlous got the jump while Waters was well back after his worst start of the year.
Waters slowly began to move forward, but his advance would end at third place.
West, Pearson and Dunker completed the top six from a fast-starting Stauffer and Allerton, while a bitterly disappointed Halliday didn’t make the restart after a mechanical issue.
Dunker finished fourth in the championship on 246pts from Allerton (241pts) and rookie of the year Nahlous (239pts).
Maximo Quiles won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Using his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, the Spaniard won the 19-lap race by 1.663 second.
Angel Piqueras was the runner-up on his Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.
Taiyo Furusato was third, 2.886 seconds behind race winner Quiles, on his Honda Team Asia machine.
Joel Esteban took fourth on his Red Bull Tech3 KTM.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe crossed the finish line fifth.
Jose Antonio Rueda leads the championship with 365 points, 94 ahead of Angel Piqueras who has 271 points. Maximo Quiles is third with 263 points.
Marco Bezzecchi won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Italian won the 25-lap race by 2.583 seconds.
Alex Marquez was the runner-up on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
Pedro Acosta placed third on his Red Bull KTM Factory RC16.
Marquez’s teammate, Fermin Aldeguer crossed the finish line fourth.
Acosta’s teammate, Brad Binder took fifth.
Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 and didn’t finish the race (DNF).
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 545 points, 100 ahead of Alex Marquez who has 445 points. Marco Bezzecchi is third with 323 points.
Bezzecchi perfect at Portimao with dominant victory. Not a wheel wrong or out of place, the #72 really was ‘Simply the Bez on Sunday afternoon’, pulling clear of a tense duel over P2.
It was perfection from start to finish from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) who led every one of the 25 laps at Portimao for the Portuguese GP. A vital victory saw him move comfortably clear in the race for third overall in the Championship, although he’ll need just a few points to secure it next week in Valencia. Behind the Italian on the track, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) resisted a late surge in pace from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) with the podium being reshuffled from Saturday’s Sprint.
LIGHTS OUT! Bezzecchi holds off Acosta
Getting an excellent start, Acosta was dynamite off the line but couldn’t overcome Bezzecchi, who got the holeshot from pole. Alex Marquez replicated his Sprint start to move up to third but there was drama behind. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was caught up in a bundle at Turn 5 but was OK, ending a weekend which had been a struggle. Onto Lap 2 and Marquez made his move to get P2 from Acosta and set off in pursuit of Bezzecchi. Elsewhere, a disaster for Sepang’s P3 finisher Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who retired with a technical issue at the end of Lap 2.
FIGHTS IN THE FIELD: Pecco in P4 until…
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) held fourth ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), as the 2021 World Champion was once again putting in a great performance. ‘El Diablo’ had his hands full with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who in-turn was under attack from Indonesian GP winner Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). The rookie made a bold move at Turn 5 on the South African with contact and taking some aero – as well as P5 – away from the #33. Aldeguer then passed Quartararo and then inherited fourth when Bagnaia crashed at Turn 10 on Lap 11. A fourth successive Sunday DNF for the #63, a huge dent into his third-place goals overall in the standings.
At the front, Bezzecchi was edging ever further away from Marquez behind and by Lap 15, had a 2.2s advantage over the #73. Acosta was a further 2.4s away but had a comfortable 6.4s margin over Aldeguer and Binder. The main battle heading into the closing stages was for sixth, as Quartararo continued his excellent defensive ride ahead of fellow countryman Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and an impressive Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team).
NEVER GIVING UP: Acosta rallies for late attack on Marquez
Whilst things had looked settled at the front, Acosta found second wind with just four laps to go, taking three quarters of a second out of Marquez up ahead of him as 2025’s runner-up struggled in the closing stages. With two to go, the gap was a second and whilst an uphill challenge, nothing is considered impossible for the #37 KTM. Further back in the pack and there was a late drop in pace for Zarco as Ogura got ahead of him for P7 whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) pinched eighth.
Marco Bezzecchi won the MotoGP race at Portimao. Photo courtesy Dorna
CHEQUERED FLAG! Bezzecchi brilliance
Onto the last lap and Marquez had responded, minimising the damage even if the gap continued to come down. An inspired ride from Acosta meant he came close but not close enough in a familiar story to yesterday but nobody could lay a glove on Bezzecchi. From lights to flag, the #72 made Portimao his own with a majestic victory, becoming the sixth different winner in as many Grands Prix. Marquez and Acosta rounded out the podium behind the Aprilia rider, who gave the Italian manufacturer a third victory in 2025, the first-time ever they’ve enjoyed three wins in a single season.
Aldeguer held on to clinch fourth place ahead of Binder, who took his third top six of the season ahead of Quartararo, who took his best Portuguese GP finish since 2022. Ogura’s P7 makes it his first back-to-back top ten finishes since Jerez and Le Mans earlier in the year. Di Giannantonio resisted Zarco’s fightback in the scrap for eighth whilst Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was the third KTM in the top ten.
Diogo Moreira won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Brazilian won the 21-lap race by just 0.090 second.
Collin Veijer was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
David Alonso was a close third on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
Aron Canet finished fourth on his Fantic Racing Kalex and his teammate, Barry Baltus, took fifth.
Manuel Gonzalez crossed the finish line 6th on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex.
Diogo Moreira leads the championship with 281 points, 24 ahead of Manuel Gonzalez who has 257 points. Barry Baltus is third with 232 points.
Moreira clinches crucial victory as title race heads to Valencia. The Brazilian battles past Veijer to see his points advantage rise to 24 over sixth place Gonzalez ahead of a final round showdown.
A Champion’s performance. The Moto2 title race will go down to the final round in Valencia next weekend, but Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) took one giant leap towards etching his name on the trophy with a fantastic victory in Portimao. The points gap is 24 points in the Brazilian’s favour now after Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) finished P6, so the odds are firmly in Moreira’s favour heading to the season finale. Completing the podium were two rapid rookies, with Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) collecting his first Moto2 silverware in P2, as David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) earned his third straight podium in P3.
A victory or second place. To clinch the title, it was one of those two results Moreira needed from pole position. And from P1 on the grid, the Brazilian got a perfect launch and comfortably grabbed the holeshot ahead of Veijer, with Gonzalez P6 on the opening lap. Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) dropped to P3, with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing), the rider third overall, had to sit up on the exit of Turn 1 and lost a lot of positions – the Belgian was down to P11.
At the start of Lap 3, the top six were locked together – and that included Moreira and Gonzalez, as well as Veijer, Dixon, Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team), and Alonso. And at the start of Lap 4, Veijer led for the first time on the run into Turn 1.
On the exit of Turn 5 on Lap 5, a warning for Gonzalez. A huge, out-of-the-seat moment saw the Spaniard lose ground, and then Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) forced his way through into Turn 8 to demote the #18 to P7, with Moreira still P2. Crucially now though, a one-second gap had opened up between the top four and fifth place Canet, as Baltus dragged himself onto the rear wheel of Gonzalez.
On Lap 8 of 21, P7 became P6 as Gonzalez made a lovely move stick on Vietti, as Canet passed Dixon at the start of Lap 9, and a lap later, Gonzalez picked off the #96 too to jump into P5. But it was Baltus who was the rider on the move. The Belgian passed Vietti, Dixon, and then Gonzalez at Turn 3 to carve his way into P5, but there was a good chunk of time to make up to teammate Canet and the podium fight.
With five laps to go, Gonzalez was still sat behind Baltus in P6, with Moreira now beginning to put some serious pressure on Veijer. Alonso was 0.8s behind Moreira in P3, with Canet 0.6s further back. At this stage, the points advantage heading to Valencia was 19 points in Moreira’s favour.
And then, with two and a half laps to go, Moreira pounced. Turn 11 was the place and it was a classy move up the inside of the Dutchman, and now, the top four were pretty much locked together. Now, the points gap was 24 points, as Moreira got his head down and tried to escape the rookie fight for P2 between Veijer and Alonso, with Canet also right there.
Moto2 podium with, from left to right Collin Veijer, Diogo Moreira and David Alonso. Photo courtesy Dorna
Last lap! Four riders in contention for victory, as Dixon suffered a last-lap crash out of P7. Could anyone stop Moreira from putting one hand and four fingers on the Moto2 World Championship trophy? The answer was no. What a win for the Brazilian. On the big occasion, Moreira stepped up and now, he heads to Valencia in about a strong a position as he could have hoped to have been in.
Congratulations to Veijer, that’s his first Moto2 podium, with Alonso making it two rookies on the rostrum in P3. Canet strung together a strong ride to P4, with teammate Baltus completing the top five. And with Dixon’s crash, the Fantic duo and British rider are now officially out of title contention – it’s now Moreira vs Gonzalez in Valencia. However, Fantic are now able to celebrate the Moto2 Teams’ title thanks to the efforts of Baltus and Canet.
Gonzalez will be disappointed with his P6, but it’s a result that still keeps him in contention ahead of next weekend’s finale. One place behind the Spaniard finished his compatriot Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), and that result hands the #27 Moto2’s Rookie of the Year accolade.
So, onto Valencia we go. It’s simply a must-win for Gonzalez, while Moreira needs a top 14 finish to clinch the Moto2 crown before his MotoGP adventure begins. A tense weekend awaits at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Josh Waters has started celebrations early at the final round of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at The Bend (SA), wrapping up the Superbike title in Saturday qualifying.
Waters’ path of least resistance to winning an unprecedented fifth SW-Motech Superbike title was always going to come in the battle for grid positions, and the script went perfectly to plan for the McMartin Racing Ducati star.
Waters qualified in fifth, but with arch-rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) unable to secure pole position Waters now takes a 50p lead into Sunday’s two 11-lap races.
Even if Jones wins both battles and Waters doesn’t score any points – extremely unlikely for such a well-drilled champion – Waters would still win the championship on a countback.
With the numbers falling his way, it was a super Saturday for Waters, who won his first Superbike title in 2009 followed by further successes in 2012, 2017 and 2024.
After three decades of Aussie Superbike brilliance, Waters still can’t fully comprehend what he has achieved.
“When I started road racing I used to stand outside Shawn Giles’ garage and think ‘Will I ever be like that’?, said Waters, referencing the former three-time Superbike champion (2000-2002).
“Now to win five titles against such a high level of competition means so much. This year has been really special. I’ve got such a great team and crew around me, and everyone at home is such a big support: my wife, my family, my training partners. It just means so much.”
Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) will start from pole in the SW-Motech Superbike races, and will be joined on the front row by Jones and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Honda).
There was plenty of action across the other ASBK classes today, including Kawasaki Supersport where Archie McDonald will start from pole with two-time British Superbike champion and Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Kyle Ryde alongside him.
Races also began in the Race and Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup, BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters classes on Saturday, with a dominant Beau Beaton crowned early in the latter after a faultless campaign.
SW-Motech Superbike
From left to right, Mike Jones, Cru Halliday and Jonathan Nahlous. Photo by RbMotoLens
The equation was simple for the SW-Motech Superbike battle to move into a live Sunday rubber: Jones had to secure his fourth pole position at The Bend.
He was seemingly on track for exactly just that until the last three minutes of qualifying when Halliday produced a searing 1:50.028 – under the current lap record and only just adrift of the best ever lap – to become the ultimate spoiler.
Jones didn’t have time to muster a counter-offensive, much to the delight of a jubilant Waters.
It’s Halliday’s fourth pole in Superbike, and his first since 2023 as he gets to grips with his new Ducati after a mid-year switch from Yamaha.
“It’s taken a little bit to get used to the Ducati after being on a Yamaha for years,” said Halliday.
“It’s been about changing habits and riding the Ducati a whole different way, but it’s finally paid off at a very good time.”
Meanwhile, Nahlous was a revelation in only his second ASBK meeting on the Honda, with the Sydneysider returning to a happy hunting ground after winning the Supersport title at The Bend in 2024.
Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati), Waters and Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha) will line up on row two, followed by Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and Max Staufffer (Yamaha).
Twenty-riders will line up in Sunday’s two races.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Archie McDonald (69) at The Bend. Photo by RbMotoLens
McDonald’s sixth pole position in Kawasaki Supersport came without too much fuss, which included a new Supersport best lap of 1:54.271.
Ryde was next, followed by BCperformance Kawasaki duo Olly Simpson and Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif (Omega Yamaha), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Tom Edwards (TeamBWR Yamaha).
Championship leader Jack Mahaffy (Stop and Seal Yamaha) has left himself in the danger zone, starting from the third row of the grid as he defends a 23pt buffer over the in-form McDonald.
Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the fastest Supersport Next Gen rider – and in fact the fastest on track by a wafer thin 0.001 seconds over McDonald.
There will be two nine-lap races on Sunday.
Race and Road Supersport 300/ShopYamaha R3 Cup
Hudson Thompson (41) at The Bend. Photo by RbMotoLens
Races got underway in both Race and Road Supersport 300 and the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, with Nikolas Lazos (Yamaha) and Hudson Thompson (Yamaha) the respective victors.
In Supersport 300, Lazos’ path to a maiden victory opened up after Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki) crashed out while holding a healthy lead. Lazos grasped the golden opportunity and won by 3.5 seconds ahead of polesitter and 2025 champion Scott Ncholson (Kawasaki) followed by Thompson, Tyler King (Kawasaki), Matthew Ritter (Yamaha) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha).
While Nicholson has an insurmountable lead, the battle for second in the championship is still a tight battle Jordy Simpson, Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), King and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha) with two races remaining. Jake Paige (Kawasaki) remains in second, but will be swallowed up by the pack as he isn’t competing at The Bend.
Thompson prevailed in a signature tight and tough R3 Cup scrum from Mitch Simpson, Lazos, Phoenix O’Brien and Jordy Simpson. Mitch Simpson holds a 15pt lead over Lazos.
BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup
Calm before the storm: the start of BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup race one. Photo by RbMotoLens
It was a nine-bike rolling scrum in BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup race one, with the riders separated by less than a second after the five-lapper.
Xavier Curmi scored maximum points from Ghage Plowman, Connor Lewis, Hunter Charlett, Rossi McAdam, Chaz Williams, Thomas Cameron, Krue Knight and Charlie Nichols.
Lewis now leads Williams by 6pts, while McAdam, Curmi and Charlett will likewise battle it out until the very end for third place in the official Australian Junior Road Race Championship.
Two races remain on Sunday.
Superbike Masters
Beau Beaton is now only one win away from a season clean sweep in Superbike Masters. Photo by RbMotoLens
The same trifecta in both Superbike Masters races on Saturday, as Beau Beaton (Ducati), Ben Burke (Honda) and Michaael Berti Mendez (Ducati) dominated.
Beaton was on another level, setting a new a lap record and wrapping up the series with one race to spare.
In tomorrow’s final hitout he’ll be chasing the holy frail: an unbeaten campaign.
For more information on the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul:
American Kensei Matsudaira (74) winning on an Ohvale 190 at Apex Racing Center. Photo by Karen E. Ott.
FIM Mini Cup USA Announces Team U.S.A. for FIM MiniGP World Final in Valencia
November 10, 2025 – FIM Mini Cup USA is immensely proud to announce the talented riders who will represent the United States at the prestigious FIM MiniGP World Final. The event, which brings together the world’s top young road racers, is taking place November 10th – 13th, in Valencia, Spain.
🇺🇸 Meet Team U.S.A. 🇺🇸
These five riders have earned their spots through their exceptional performance in the FIM Mini Cup USA series and will compete against international finalists from across the globe:
160cc Class Finalists:
Jase Dill
Zaal Farhand
Lambert Su
190cc Class Finalists:
Kensei Matsudaira
Ulysses Weyrauch
🌟 A Global Stage for Future Stars 🌟
The FIM MiniGP World Series is a critical step on the Road to MotoGP, providing a standardized, international platform for identifying and developing the next generation of motorcycle racing talent. The World Final offers these young American athletes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on a global stage, gain invaluable experience, and showcase their skills to teams and sponsors from the highest levels of the sport.
“We are incredibly excited to send this group of determined and fast young riders to Valencia,” said John Hopkins for FIM Mini Cup USA. “Each of these riders has worked tirelessly throughout the season, and their selection for the World Final is a testament to their dedication. We wish them the best of luck as they represent the U.S. against the best MiniGP riders in the world.”
The entire FIM Mini Cup USA community will be watching and cheering for Team U.S.A. as they compete for the World Final titles.
Valentin Debise and his ZXMOTO 820RR-RS at EICMA. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
Federico Caricasulo and Valentin Debise will represent the famous Evan Bros Racing and will ride with all-new Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO.
After eight seasons of fruitful collaboration, Evan Bros Racing will turn the page on their chapter, utilising Yamaha machinery, and in 2026 will compete atop Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO in what will be the Chinese brand’s debut FIM Supersport World Championship season. With a new bike coming in, the team have also opted for an all-new line-up with familiar faces, with both Federico Caricasulo and Valentin Debise re-joining the team.
ONCU RIDES ON: The Turkish rider makes a move to Ten Kate
Can Oncu’s sole 2025 campaign with the team was the strongest of his six-year WorldSSP career so far. While it was only his first year in Yamaha blue, the Turkish rider finished in second place, earning six wins, 16 podiums, six fastest laps and four poles. With his title rival and eventual Champion Stefano Manzi now making the jump to WorldSBK to race with GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, the Italian has left an open seat behind with the team that Oncu’s mentor, Kenan Sofouglu, rode with for five seasons and won a pair of Championships with the Dutch team.
Federico Caricasulo and Valentin Debise with the new ZXMOTO 820RR-RS at EICMA. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
CARICA AND DEBISE RETURN: Evan Bros chooses riders familiar with the team
With the split from Yamaha announced, Evan Bros had a pair of seats atop their bikes to fill, so they went with riders who are familiar with the team. Italian rider Caricasulo is set to join the team for 2026, a move that offers plenty of continuity, as the #64 rode with the team from 2014-2016 and in 2019. His final season with the team even included a runner-up finish in the Riders’ Championship for the Italian, outpaced only by his teammate Randy Krummenacher on their way to claiming the Teams’ Championship for Evan Bros. Debise’s stint with the Evan Bros outfit came even more recently, in 2024, where the veteran rider enjoyed a strong campaign as the team’s sole rider. He went on to finish in fourth place on the back of his seven podiums, the most he has had in a single season to date. In 2025, Debise rode with Renzi Corse and landed his first two wins of his WorldSSP career.
ZXMOTO 820RR-RS. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
YAMAHA AND EVAN BROS FRUITFUL COLLABORATION: Five titles in total across their time together
It isn’t just rider market changes for the Ravenna-based team, however. The Evan Bros. outfit announced it would be ending its eight-year collaboration with Yamaha. The team first started riding with Yamaha and their contemporary R6 platform back in 2016. By 2019, they won their first titles together as Krummenacher and Caricasulo dominated the season to hoist both the Team’s Championship and the Riders’ Championship. The success from there only continued to flow, as they again won a Riders’ title with Andrea Locatelli in 2020. 2021 and 2022 brought back-to-back runner-up finishes with the skilful riding of Lorenzo Baldassari and Steven Odendaal. In the hands of Oncu, joined late in the season by Alberto Surra, the pair were fast enough to win another Teams’ Championship as well as Oncu’s Riders’ Championship P2. All in all, together with Yamaha machinery, Evan Bros. enjoyed a fruitful run, tallying 41 wins, 104 podiums, 24 poles, three Riders’ Championships and a pair of Team’s Championships.
ZXMOTO 820RR-RS. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
ALL-NEW MACHINERY: ZXMOTO looks to make a splash in 2026
Going forward with their pair of new riders, Evan Bros will take on a new challenge, riding atop the new manufacturer ZXMOTO as they take on WorldSSP in their first season in the competition in 2026. The Chinese manufacturer’s all-new 820RR-R is a three-cylinder, 819cc bike designed for success on track; as well as their new rider pair, the new bike will make Evan Bros Racing a team to watch in 2026.
On the team’s new chapter, Team Principal Fabio Evangelista said: “I am very happy about this new adventure. We have taken on the challenge of collaborating with ZXMOTO to develop a new bike, which undoubtedly has potential. As for Caricasulo and Debise, I can only say welcome back: we believe in the speed and development capabilities of both of them.”
Look back through Oncu, Debise and Caricasulo’s best moments with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Alex Marquez (73) at Portimao. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team
Want to see a magic trick? Then just keep watching Marco Bezzechi as he disappears right in front of Álex Márquez and Pedro Acosta’s eyes, only to magically reappear right next to them on the victory podium!
Yes, today was the day that Bezzechi showed us all what he’s capable of. Even Peter didn’t see it coming! And ‘the Bez’ was far from the only one serving us spectacular scenes of racing delight, as we had some rough play and knife fighting going on. Did some of it include our favourite maniac Franco Morbidelli? It very well might! All I can tell you is that Mat and Peter can’t seem to agree on this one, and that it involves the exact difference between a bump and a ram…
Enjoy!
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
2025 MotoMini Final Group Photo. Photo courtesy Dorna
The programme – unique in sport – debuts a new look and structure that clearly defines the path to the top for the next generation.
The Road to MotoGP is evolving. The programme, which searches out and opens the doors to new talent from around the world, is unique in sport – providing a comprehensive ladder of opportunity for all, wherever they’re from and whatever their background.
Now, these paths have a new, unified, identity. From MotoMini to Moto4 to MotoJunior, each step works as part of a whole – creating a clear framework for riders and providing scope for the programme to further expand around the world.
Riders start the Road to MotoGP™ in the FIM MotoMini World Series, the first initiative in global motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality. Its 160cc Series, for riders from 10 to 14 years old, and 190cc Series, for riders from 12 years old, provide two steps of competition racing on kart tracks around the world. The top riders in each national Series are then invited to take part in the World Final in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP season finale, where more opportunities on the Road to MotoGP are also up for grabs.
From there, the Moto4 tier beckons, for riders aged 14 and above, giving them experience on bigger venues and equal machinery – the Honda NSF250R. The Moto4 tier currently comprises the Momoven Moto4 European Cup, Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, Moto4 Northern Cup, R&G Moto4 British Cup and Moto4 Latin Cup, each provides its own pathway to the next tier. Each serves a different area to provide a diverse and ever-growing number of opportunities across the world.
The final steps on the Road to MotoGP are the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship. The Rookies, starting at 15 years of age, retains its name and continues racing in the MotoGP paddock throughout some of the biggest venues in Europe. The FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, for riders from 16 years old, headlines the new-look MotoJunior World Championship, which also comprises the Moto2 European Championship, itself also a pathway into the Moto2 World Championship, and the Moto4 European Cup, the entry level competition in MotoJunior.
Here is the full pyramid of the new identities within the core Road to MotoGP competitions:
This new era begins now for the FIM MotoMini World Series as the 2025 World Final rolls out its new identity ahead of the Valencia GP.
From 2026, the entire Road to MotoGP™ will then transform into this new structure – including some new incentives for teams to support MotoJunior riders from key countries. The full announcement will be revealed shortly, with teams set to receive extra support for fielding and succeeding with riders from countries outside the sport’s biggest current catchment areas.
Jorge Viegas, FIM President on the left and Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP (on the right). Photo courtesy Dorna
Jorge Viegas, FIM President:“The FIM remains committed to identifying, supporting and providing clear and defined opportunities for emerging and talented riders from all corners of the world. The new Road to MotoGP structure is the latest initiative in this pursuit and represents a hugely important step as we look to provide equal opportunities for all young riders irrespective of where they are racing in the world. MotoGP has a truly global fan base and following, so it is vital that this is also reflected out on track too. As a result of this programme, we are confident that we will see new champions from new countries make their mark at the highest level in the future.”
Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP: “We’re very proud of the Road to MotoGP. We continue to be committed to growing our sport, from the grassroots and making sure we’re widening the base of the pyramid globally. This new structure, and its new identities, are an important evolution. In the here and now it creates a clear pathway, for riders, their parents and fans around the world and one that fits perfectly with the future of the Grand Prix classes. It also creates a fantastic foundation for the continued expansion of the programme. Creating global opportunity is important for the young riders it supports, important for MotoGP, and important for our global fanbase.”
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC has introduced the Fast Friends Rewards Program, a new initiative created to thank existing Suzuki owners and welcome new riders into the Suzuki family through an innovative referral program.
Fast Friends Rewards makes it easy and rewarding for Suzuki owners to share their passion for performance, adventure, and reliability. Existing Suzuki owners can earn a $100 Suzuki Bucks Rewards Voucher for referring a friend who purchases a qualifying new Suzuki vehicle, with that person receiving a $200 Suzuki Bucks Rewards Voucher after purchase.
The pilot program applies to a significant range of new Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs including the following models:
– GSX-8R, GSX-8S, GSX-8T, GSX-8TT, and all V-STROM 800 models – KingQuad 400, KingQuad 500, and KingQuad 750 ATVs
Suzuki Bucks are redeemable vouchers that can be used toward the purchase of Genuine Suzuki parts, accessories, or service at authorized Suzuki dealerships.
“It is our belief that Suzuki customers are among the most engaged and loyal motorcycle and ATV riders in the category and want to share their passion with fellow enthusiasts,” said Kerry Graeber Suzuki Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “The Fast Friends program actually rewards them for what they tend to do on their own which is to introduce the Suzuki experience to their friends.”
The Fast Friends Rewards Program is live now for a limited time at participating dealers. Whether sharing their love of adventure on a Suzuki motorcycle or tackling tough terrain on a KingQuad ATV, Suzuki is making it easier than ever for Suzuki enthusiasts to ride together and be rewarded for it.
To learn more about the Fast Friends Rewards Program visit Suzukicycles.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI:
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor CorporaDon (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relaDons with 201 countries/regions. For more informaDon, visit www.suzuki.com.
Jones (46) and Nahlous (20) dominated SW-Motech Superbike race two. Photo by RbMotoLens
Superstars Josh Waters and Mike Jones have again risen to the occasion as the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) concluded at The Bend (SA) on Sunday, November 9.
After absorbing intense pressure from rookie revelation Jonathan Nahlous, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters was victorious in race one on his McMartin Racing Ducati before Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) won the turf war in the season-ending battle.
The pair finished the day equal on points, but Jones was awarded the overall after his higher placing in race two. Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda) was third overall after his 2-2 scorecard.
“The race two victory definitely put a smile on my face,” said Jones.
“It’s been a tough weekend, but a special thanks to the Yamaha Racing Team for all its efforts not only at The Bend but all year long.
“I’m excited to be back with Yamaha in 2026 as we chase another ASBK championship.”
Between them, Waters and Jones won 15 of the 17 Superbike races in 2025, with Waters finishing the Superbike title on 381pts ahead of Jones on 331pts.
Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) was third in the championship on 303pts, which included the veteran’s first Superbike race win at Phillip Island.
SW-Motech Superbike race one
Josh Waters (1) and new lap record holder Cru Halliday (65) in race one. Photo by RbMotoLens
With the pressure meter dialled down and the passion meter dialled up, newly minted SW-Motech Superbike champion Waters powered to a start-to-finish victory. It was Waters’ 10th win of the season and his 43rd in Superbike.
Waters’ only hiccup was a slight mistake on lap six which allowed Nahlous and Jones to close back up on him, but the veteran was soon back into a steely rhythm to win by nearly half a second.
Nahlous was a brilliant second – his best rookie result – ahead of Jones, who ran wide at turn one on the last lap which scuppered his chances of putting extra pressure on his rival.
West was fourth from Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Ducati), Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha).
Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) both went down, the latter shortly after setting a new lap record of 1:50.035.
The Bend top three: (L to R) Waters, Jones and Nahlous. Photo by RbMotoLens
It was Jones at his metronomic best, moving into the lead on lap three and then controlling proceedings from the front to win his fifth race of the season. Including his two podiums today, Jones now has eight top three finishes in the last 12 Superbike races at The Bend.
The race was held over a shortened nine laps after the first attempt was red-flagged due to an oil spill at turn 17, and in the restart Nahlous got the jump while Waters was well back after his worst start of the year.
Waters slowly began to move forward, but his advance would end at third place.
West, Pearson and Dunker completed the top six from a fast-starting Stauffer and Allerton, while a bitterly disappointed Halliday didn’t make the restart after a mechanical issue.
Dunker finished fourth in the championship on 246pts from Allerton (241pts) and rookie of the year Nahlous (239pts).
Maximo Quiles won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Using his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM, the Spaniard won the 19-lap race by 1.663 second.
Angel Piqueras was the runner-up on his Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSI KTM.
Taiyo Furusato was third, 2.886 seconds behind race winner Quiles, on his Honda Team Asia machine.
Joel Esteban took fourth on his Red Bull Tech3 KTM.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe crossed the finish line fifth.
Jose Antonio Rueda leads the championship with 365 points, 94 ahead of Angel Piqueras who has 271 points. Maximo Quiles is third with 263 points.
MotoGP Race Start at Portimao. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Italian won the 25-lap race by 2.583 seconds.
Alex Marquez was the runner-up on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
Pedro Acosta placed third on his Red Bull KTM Factory RC16.
Marquez’s teammate, Fermin Aldeguer crossed the finish line fourth.
Acosta’s teammate, Brad Binder took fifth.
Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 and didn’t finish the race (DNF).
Marc Marquez leads the championship with 545 points, 100 ahead of Alex Marquez who has 445 points. Marco Bezzecchi is third with 323 points.
Bezzecchi perfect at Portimao with dominant victory. Not a wheel wrong or out of place, the #72 really was ‘Simply the Bez on Sunday afternoon’, pulling clear of a tense duel over P2.
It was perfection from start to finish from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) who led every one of the 25 laps at Portimao for the Portuguese GP. A vital victory saw him move comfortably clear in the race for third overall in the Championship, although he’ll need just a few points to secure it next week in Valencia. Behind the Italian on the track, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) resisted a late surge in pace from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) with the podium being reshuffled from Saturday’s Sprint.
LIGHTS OUT! Bezzecchi holds off Acosta
Getting an excellent start, Acosta was dynamite off the line but couldn’t overcome Bezzecchi, who got the holeshot from pole. Alex Marquez replicated his Sprint start to move up to third but there was drama behind. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was caught up in a bundle at Turn 5 but was OK, ending a weekend which had been a struggle. Onto Lap 2 and Marquez made his move to get P2 from Acosta and set off in pursuit of Bezzecchi. Elsewhere, a disaster for Sepang’s P3 finisher Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who retired with a technical issue at the end of Lap 2.
FIGHTS IN THE FIELD: Pecco in P4 until…
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) held fourth ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), as the 2021 World Champion was once again putting in a great performance. ‘El Diablo’ had his hands full with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who in-turn was under attack from Indonesian GP winner Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). The rookie made a bold move at Turn 5 on the South African with contact and taking some aero – as well as P5 – away from the #33. Aldeguer then passed Quartararo and then inherited fourth when Bagnaia crashed at Turn 10 on Lap 11. A fourth successive Sunday DNF for the #63, a huge dent into his third-place goals overall in the standings.
At the front, Bezzecchi was edging ever further away from Marquez behind and by Lap 15, had a 2.2s advantage over the #73. Acosta was a further 2.4s away but had a comfortable 6.4s margin over Aldeguer and Binder. The main battle heading into the closing stages was for sixth, as Quartararo continued his excellent defensive ride ahead of fellow countryman Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and an impressive Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team).
NEVER GIVING UP: Acosta rallies for late attack on Marquez
Whilst things had looked settled at the front, Acosta found second wind with just four laps to go, taking three quarters of a second out of Marquez up ahead of him as 2025’s runner-up struggled in the closing stages. With two to go, the gap was a second and whilst an uphill challenge, nothing is considered impossible for the #37 KTM. Further back in the pack and there was a late drop in pace for Zarco as Ogura got ahead of him for P7 whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) pinched eighth.
Marco Bezzecchi won the MotoGP race at Portimao. Photo courtesy Dorna
CHEQUERED FLAG! Bezzecchi brilliance
Onto the last lap and Marquez had responded, minimising the damage even if the gap continued to come down. An inspired ride from Acosta meant he came close but not close enough in a familiar story to yesterday but nobody could lay a glove on Bezzecchi. From lights to flag, the #72 made Portimao his own with a majestic victory, becoming the sixth different winner in as many Grands Prix. Marquez and Acosta rounded out the podium behind the Aprilia rider, who gave the Italian manufacturer a third victory in 2025, the first-time ever they’ve enjoyed three wins in a single season.
Aldeguer held on to clinch fourth place ahead of Binder, who took his third top six of the season ahead of Quartararo, who took his best Portuguese GP finish since 2022. Ogura’s P7 makes it his first back-to-back top ten finishes since Jerez and Le Mans earlier in the year. Di Giannantonio resisted Zarco’s fightback in the scrap for eighth whilst Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was the third KTM in the top ten.
Moto2 race start at Portimao. Photo courtesy Dorna
Diogo Moreira won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Brazilian won the 21-lap race by just 0.090 second.
Collin Veijer was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex.
David Alonso was a close third on his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex.
Aron Canet finished fourth on his Fantic Racing Kalex and his teammate, Barry Baltus, took fifth.
Manuel Gonzalez crossed the finish line 6th on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex.
Diogo Moreira leads the championship with 281 points, 24 ahead of Manuel Gonzalez who has 257 points. Barry Baltus is third with 232 points.
Moreira clinches crucial victory as title race heads to Valencia. The Brazilian battles past Veijer to see his points advantage rise to 24 over sixth place Gonzalez ahead of a final round showdown.
A Champion’s performance. The Moto2 title race will go down to the final round in Valencia next weekend, but Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) took one giant leap towards etching his name on the trophy with a fantastic victory in Portimao. The points gap is 24 points in the Brazilian’s favour now after Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) finished P6, so the odds are firmly in Moreira’s favour heading to the season finale. Completing the podium were two rapid rookies, with Collin Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo) collecting his first Moto2 silverware in P2, as David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) earned his third straight podium in P3.
A victory or second place. To clinch the title, it was one of those two results Moreira needed from pole position. And from P1 on the grid, the Brazilian got a perfect launch and comfortably grabbed the holeshot ahead of Veijer, with Gonzalez P6 on the opening lap. Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) dropped to P3, with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing), the rider third overall, had to sit up on the exit of Turn 1 and lost a lot of positions – the Belgian was down to P11.
At the start of Lap 3, the top six were locked together – and that included Moreira and Gonzalez, as well as Veijer, Dixon, Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team), and Alonso. And at the start of Lap 4, Veijer led for the first time on the run into Turn 1.
On the exit of Turn 5 on Lap 5, a warning for Gonzalez. A huge, out-of-the-seat moment saw the Spaniard lose ground, and then Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) forced his way through into Turn 8 to demote the #18 to P7, with Moreira still P2. Crucially now though, a one-second gap had opened up between the top four and fifth place Canet, as Baltus dragged himself onto the rear wheel of Gonzalez.
On Lap 8 of 21, P7 became P6 as Gonzalez made a lovely move stick on Vietti, as Canet passed Dixon at the start of Lap 9, and a lap later, Gonzalez picked off the #96 too to jump into P5. But it was Baltus who was the rider on the move. The Belgian passed Vietti, Dixon, and then Gonzalez at Turn 3 to carve his way into P5, but there was a good chunk of time to make up to teammate Canet and the podium fight.
With five laps to go, Gonzalez was still sat behind Baltus in P6, with Moreira now beginning to put some serious pressure on Veijer. Alonso was 0.8s behind Moreira in P3, with Canet 0.6s further back. At this stage, the points advantage heading to Valencia was 19 points in Moreira’s favour.
And then, with two and a half laps to go, Moreira pounced. Turn 11 was the place and it was a classy move up the inside of the Dutchman, and now, the top four were pretty much locked together. Now, the points gap was 24 points, as Moreira got his head down and tried to escape the rookie fight for P2 between Veijer and Alonso, with Canet also right there.
Moto2 podium with, from left to right Collin Veijer, Diogo Moreira and David Alonso. Photo courtesy Dorna
Last lap! Four riders in contention for victory, as Dixon suffered a last-lap crash out of P7. Could anyone stop Moreira from putting one hand and four fingers on the Moto2 World Championship trophy? The answer was no. What a win for the Brazilian. On the big occasion, Moreira stepped up and now, he heads to Valencia in about a strong a position as he could have hoped to have been in.
Congratulations to Veijer, that’s his first Moto2 podium, with Alonso making it two rookies on the rostrum in P3. Canet strung together a strong ride to P4, with teammate Baltus completing the top five. And with Dixon’s crash, the Fantic duo and British rider are now officially out of title contention – it’s now Moreira vs Gonzalez in Valencia. However, Fantic are now able to celebrate the Moto2 Teams’ title thanks to the efforts of Baltus and Canet.
Gonzalez will be disappointed with his P6, but it’s a result that still keeps him in contention ahead of next weekend’s finale. One place behind the Spaniard finished his compatriot Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team), and that result hands the #27 Moto2’s Rookie of the Year accolade.
So, onto Valencia we go. It’s simply a must-win for Gonzalez, while Moreira needs a top 14 finish to clinch the Moto2 crown before his MotoGP adventure begins. A tense weekend awaits at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
SW-Motech Superbike title No.5 for a jubilant Josh Waters. Photo by RbMotoLens
Josh Waters has started celebrations early at the final round of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at The Bend (SA), wrapping up the Superbike title in Saturday qualifying.
Waters’ path of least resistance to winning an unprecedented fifth SW-Motech Superbike title was always going to come in the battle for grid positions, and the script went perfectly to plan for the McMartin Racing Ducati star.
Waters qualified in fifth, but with arch-rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) unable to secure pole position Waters now takes a 50p lead into Sunday’s two 11-lap races.
Even if Jones wins both battles and Waters doesn’t score any points – extremely unlikely for such a well-drilled champion – Waters would still win the championship on a countback.
With the numbers falling his way, it was a super Saturday for Waters, who won his first Superbike title in 2009 followed by further successes in 2012, 2017 and 2024.
After three decades of Aussie Superbike brilliance, Waters still can’t fully comprehend what he has achieved.
“When I started road racing I used to stand outside Shawn Giles’ garage and think ‘Will I ever be like that’?, said Waters, referencing the former three-time Superbike champion (2000-2002).
“Now to win five titles against such a high level of competition means so much. This year has been really special. I’ve got such a great team and crew around me, and everyone at home is such a big support: my wife, my family, my training partners. It just means so much.”
Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) will start from pole in the SW-Motech Superbike races, and will be joined on the front row by Jones and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Honda).
There was plenty of action across the other ASBK classes today, including Kawasaki Supersport where Archie McDonald will start from pole with two-time British Superbike champion and Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Kyle Ryde alongside him.
Races also began in the Race and Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup, BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters classes on Saturday, with a dominant Beau Beaton crowned early in the latter after a faultless campaign.
SW-Motech Superbike
From left to right, Mike Jones, Cru Halliday and Jonathan Nahlous. Photo by RbMotoLens
The equation was simple for the SW-Motech Superbike battle to move into a live Sunday rubber: Jones had to secure his fourth pole position at The Bend.
He was seemingly on track for exactly just that until the last three minutes of qualifying when Halliday produced a searing 1:50.028 – under the current lap record and only just adrift of the best ever lap – to become the ultimate spoiler.
Jones didn’t have time to muster a counter-offensive, much to the delight of a jubilant Waters.
It’s Halliday’s fourth pole in Superbike, and his first since 2023 as he gets to grips with his new Ducati after a mid-year switch from Yamaha.
“It’s taken a little bit to get used to the Ducati after being on a Yamaha for years,” said Halliday.
“It’s been about changing habits and riding the Ducati a whole different way, but it’s finally paid off at a very good time.”
Meanwhile, Nahlous was a revelation in only his second ASBK meeting on the Honda, with the Sydneysider returning to a happy hunting ground after winning the Supersport title at The Bend in 2024.
Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati), Waters and Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha) will line up on row two, followed by Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and Max Staufffer (Yamaha).
Twenty-riders will line up in Sunday’s two races.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Archie McDonald (69) at The Bend. Photo by RbMotoLens
McDonald’s sixth pole position in Kawasaki Supersport came without too much fuss, which included a new Supersport best lap of 1:54.271.
Ryde was next, followed by BCperformance Kawasaki duo Olly Simpson and Hayden Nelson, Will Nassif (Omega Yamaha), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Tom Edwards (TeamBWR Yamaha).
Championship leader Jack Mahaffy (Stop and Seal Yamaha) has left himself in the danger zone, starting from the third row of the grid as he defends a 23pt buffer over the in-form McDonald.
Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the fastest Supersport Next Gen rider – and in fact the fastest on track by a wafer thin 0.001 seconds over McDonald.
There will be two nine-lap races on Sunday.
Race and Road Supersport 300/ShopYamaha R3 Cup
Hudson Thompson (41) at The Bend. Photo by RbMotoLens
Races got underway in both Race and Road Supersport 300 and the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, with Nikolas Lazos (Yamaha) and Hudson Thompson (Yamaha) the respective victors.
In Supersport 300, Lazos’ path to a maiden victory opened up after Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki) crashed out while holding a healthy lead. Lazos grasped the golden opportunity and won by 3.5 seconds ahead of polesitter and 2025 champion Scott Ncholson (Kawasaki) followed by Thompson, Tyler King (Kawasaki), Matthew Ritter (Yamaha) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha).
While Nicholson has an insurmountable lead, the battle for second in the championship is still a tight battle Jordy Simpson, Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), King and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha) with two races remaining. Jake Paige (Kawasaki) remains in second, but will be swallowed up by the pack as he isn’t competing at The Bend.
Thompson prevailed in a signature tight and tough R3 Cup scrum from Mitch Simpson, Lazos, Phoenix O’Brien and Jordy Simpson. Mitch Simpson holds a 15pt lead over Lazos.
BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup
Calm before the storm: the start of BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup race one. Photo by RbMotoLens
It was a nine-bike rolling scrum in BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup race one, with the riders separated by less than a second after the five-lapper.
Xavier Curmi scored maximum points from Ghage Plowman, Connor Lewis, Hunter Charlett, Rossi McAdam, Chaz Williams, Thomas Cameron, Krue Knight and Charlie Nichols.
Lewis now leads Williams by 6pts, while McAdam, Curmi and Charlett will likewise battle it out until the very end for third place in the official Australian Junior Road Race Championship.
Two races remain on Sunday.
Superbike Masters
Beau Beaton is now only one win away from a season clean sweep in Superbike Masters. Photo by RbMotoLens
The same trifecta in both Superbike Masters races on Saturday, as Beau Beaton (Ducati), Ben Burke (Honda) and Michaael Berti Mendez (Ducati) dominated.
Beaton was on another level, setting a new a lap record and wrapping up the series with one race to spare.
In tomorrow’s final hitout he’ll be chasing the holy frail: an unbeaten campaign.
For more information on the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul:
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